The Dutch chip machine manufacturer ASML has presented a social plan to trade unions following its decision to cut 1,400 jobs in the Netherlands. The proposal includes a redundancy package that doubles the standard statutory transition payment. Despite this, the trade union FNV says it is not impressed by the offer.
The social plan is designed to cover both the current reorganisation and any further layoffs that might occur over the next two years. In addition to the increased compensation, ASML has proposed a minimum redeployment period of six months for affected staff. This extended timeframe is intended to help international workers from outside the European Union, who typically have only three months to find a new job before their residency permits expire.
ASML is also considering specific arrangements for older employees who might find it harder to secure new roles. However, the company noted this is a delicate legal area, as they must ensure the plan does not lead to age discrimination.
The FNV union, which recently organised a walkout in protest of the cuts, remains highly critical. A spokesperson for the union suggested the proposal lacks strategic decisiveness and does not reflect the company’s financial strength. Union members have yet to discuss the details.
The union has also reiterated its call for ASML to reconsider the planned 1,700 job cuts worldwide. FNV argues that the current situation is the result of poor internal management over the last decade. They claim that the company has become too complex due to an unnecessary build-up of management layers. According to the union, earlier action by leadership could have avoided such a large-scale reorganisation.
The final decision now rests with the works council (ondernemingsraad). ASML hopes for a decision by 1 April to begin the process this summer. However, the council has warned that this timeline may be too ambitious given the case’s complexity.
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